Birthday Girl

Dear Natalie, 

Today you turn 8. It seems like just yesterday you were falling asleep on your daddy's chest - just a baby taking a Sunday afternoon nap. I blinked and you were the big sister at 21 months old. Today I turned around and found that you're half-way through elementary school learning to do multiple cartwheels and round-offs. 

You are the oldest... and definitely like being in charge. You're a list maker, a planner, but not into the details of every day life often losing papers or forgetting to turn in your homework. You're learning to play violin and piano. 

You're still trying to figure out where you belong with your school friends. The last year has been one of adjustment. You've worked hard to feel like you're one of the gang. Your best friend is Hannah, adopted from China when she was 4. You feel a kinship with her because neither of you were born in Pittsburgh where most of your classmates were. 

You are funny, silly even, but tend to think about serious things. You love selling things and running a business (you have tons of ideas if only you were older!). The real motivator might be the money you can earn.... your goal is to save enough money to open a bank account and then give your money to the poor. You once told me you wanted to be rich so you could help the poor. You are learning that it doesn't always take money to help others. 

You have a heart for God. It was your idea that we read the Bible together every day. I love this time with you and love even more that you look forward to it too. 

We love you, dear girl, and can't wait to see what this year brings. 

Love, Mommy and Daddy